EXCITING plans to redevelop Malvern Town’s stadium which will take the football club ‘to the next level’ have been unveiled.
‘Project 2020’ will see the installation of one of the most advanced artificial pitches in the country at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium on Langland Avenue.
The work, which is expected to cost £1million, will also see modern and fit-for-purpose changing rooms built for both players and officials.
This will be done by extending the clubhouse.
As part of the project the club is also planning to make improvements to both the car park and entrance to the ground as well as improving the energy efficiency of the clubhouse.
Chairman Chris Pinder said: “An ultra-modern artificial pitch and changing rooms delivers a pro-quality facility for everyone in the district to share and enjoy, along with a much more sustainable business model for Malvern Town FC.
“The Langland Stadium already sees a high footfall of users, especially at cup final time, but with the AGP this will increase exponentially.
“Adult and junior clubs like Welland and Leigh & Bransford Badgers have either outgrown or are forced to overuse their grass pitch options.
“These clubs can share the stadium and maximise its utilisation throughout the year.
“Stadia with grass pitches simply cannot accommodate this type of wide-ranging community usage.
“These are exciting times for the club as we look to take things to the next level.”
The project has been secured primarily through financial contributions from the Football Foundation as well as Malvern Hills District Council.
But for the project to become a reality for the 2019/20 season, additional funding will have to be self-generated by the club through donations, sponsorship and fund-raising.
Coun David Chambers, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to use developer contributions linked to planning agreements to support this scheme.
“We’re committed to helping with the design of the extension and will be putting out a tender for this element of the project.
“This is an exciting project that will deliver first class facilities that will benefit the club, its supporters and the wider community.”
